I'm 11 days post op and my implants are too big. When is the best time to downsize? (Photo)

There is a well known syndrome called the "Booby Blues" that occurs early after a breast augmentation.  Very often, patients think that breasts are too small or too big.  The cause of this post operative depression is multi-factorial.  One factor is a fluid shift after surgery, and especially after a redo surgery requiring more tissue damage than seen in a primary augmentation.  This fluid shift is out of the blood stream into the tissue, and is known as third spacing.  This is the swelling one sees after a twisted ankle.  When this fluid re-enters the  bloodstream which occurs in the first couple weeks after surgery, it is pure water and no electrolytes, which leads to a dilution of one's normal electrolytes.  Many people experience this electrolyte dilution as depression.Since the size of one's implants, and therefore the resulting breast size, is truly the biggest question mark in any breast augmentation, of course many individuals suffering from the Booby Blues hashtag it #size too big or #size too small.  This chemical depression will pass.  All the mumbo jumbo above means that you are going through a very normal post-operative state which will pass.  Give yourself and your plastic surgeon a break.  Take a deep breath and remember your feelings are normal for this stage of recovery from a redo breast augmentation.  As all the other RealSelf plastic surgery experts have stated, things will improve significantly over the next couple of months.  

Breast
augmentation is often performed to replace volume lost from weight loss,
breast-feeding, or age or to increase the size of the breast for aesthetic
reasons. The size, shape, and position of these implants are often based on the
patient’s anatomy, the type and size of the implant, patient preference, and the goals of surgery. 

After surgery, the breasts swell
from the trauma of surgery and the tissues become edematous. As the swelling
subsides and the tissues begin to stretch from the weight of implants, the
breasts begin to settle. Over the next few months, as the edema finally escapes
and the soft tissues relax, the final shape becomes evident.



It
will take 3 to 6 months to see a final result. Close follow-up with the surgeon
is essential. Assuming there is no emergent issue, patients should allow at
least 3 months for the swelling to resolve and the tissues to soften before
contemplating any changes. At that point, a detailed exam and a frank
discussion with the surgeon will help delineate the best treatment option.

Thank you for your question and photos. It is too soon to assess the results of your surgery being that you are only two weeks post-op.  Thus far though, you look like you are on your way to achieving an excellent result.  You will need to be patient and make sure to follow your surgeon's instructions closely as you move forward in the healing process to ensure optimal results. I tell my patients that, in general, they need to wait until at least the three month mark to assess their results as their breasts need to continue to heal, reduce in swelling, and drop into place.All the best,Dr. Results
Miami, FL

Hang in there! As long as the shape and feel are improving week to week, however slowly, there is still hope for the final outcome. Ask you plastic surgeon if there are any compression garments, stretches or massaging exercises that can help speed your recovery.

Hi & thank you for your question.You are very early in the recovery process.It takes 3 to 6 months for the breasts to heal and settle.If at that time you are still unhappy with your result contact your surgeon to discuss your options. Best of luck.

It can take anywhere from 3-6 months for your breasts to fully healing, the swelling to subside and the implants to drop/settle. Wait until you are fully healed before speaking with your surgeon about exchanging your implants. So sorry to hear that you are unhappy with your results. Best, Dr. Nazarian

It is far too early in your course to draw any conclusions about size or shape after your breast augmentation.  Wait at least 6 months before judging the result.  Stay with your surgeon; I think your early result looks good.

It's normal to feel anxiety immediately after surgery. That being said, it's normal for implants to look suboptimal for several weeks after surgery. Your best bet is to discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon and to give it at least 3 more months before making up your mind.All the best - Sam Jejurikar, MD

The final shape of your breasts will start to look its best approximately three (3) months after surgery. It takes time for the skin and muscle to stretch and relax around the new implant. The breast will often look higher, firmer, and “less natural” in the first three (3) months. It can take up to a year to see your final result. Keep following your surgeon's post op instructions and heal well and evaluate your result after a few months.

You may get slightly smaller as your swelling subsides and, although you feel too large at this point, the result looks good from a shape and symmetry standpoint. Best to wait at least three months before considering reducing to a smaller size.Best of luck.